Animation has become a real powerhouse at the box office and 2011 has been no different has a whole host of projects have hit the big screen.
So as the year draws to a close we take a look back at some of the best animation movies that have entertained us over the last twelve months.
Tangled - the animation genre was kicked off in fine style at the beginning of the year as Disney was back with their latest movie Tangled.
It was the 50th animation feature from Disney as saw then return to the computer animation, after The Princess and the Frog was hand illustrated, and it was one of their best.
The movie is a rip roaring ride from the very beginning as it mixes action, comedy and romance with a whole host of colourful characters, great baddies, and some fab musical numbers.
Kung Fu Panda 2 - it’s been three years since the kung fu loving Panda first hit the big screen but this June saw him return to the big screen.
Jack Black was back on voicing duties and he was joined on the cast list by Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Jackie Chan.
This great looking animation movie is the biggest grossing movie in the genre this year as it went on to take in excess of $663 million at the global box office.
Cars 2 - no summer would be complete without a Pixar movie gracing the big screen and this Lightening McQueen returned in Cars 2.
Now I have to admit that of all the Pixar movies that we have enjoyed over the years a Cars sequel wouldn’t have been the obvious choice.
But Owen Wilson was back as McQueen and lead an all star voice cast that included Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer and Eddie Izzard.
This is a movie that really did keep the kids entertained and I was hugely successful at the box office as it grossed over $551 million - proving that a sequel was a great idea as it out performed its predecessor.
Rio - Jesse Eisenberg teamed up Anne Hathaway at the beginning of the year for Rio - one of the most exotic animation movies of the year.
The movie brought the party feel of Rio to life with some infectious music as well as being visually brilliant.
The film was also a box office hit as it grossed $484 million - I feel that a sequel could be in the pipeline.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn - sadly this Steven Spielberg directed Peter Jackson produced movie was one of the most disappointing animation movies of 2011.
Filmed using motion capture the likes of Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig and Andy Serkis brought the central characters to life.
And despite the animation being top notch the movie just lack heart and a real emotional connection to the audience - which is a major shame.
However there is a sequel in the pipeline and this time around it will be Jackson who will be in the director’s chair.
Arthur Christmas - this has to have been my favourite animation movie of the year as it is a film that really captured the Christmas spirit.
The CG-animated movie was the latest project from Aardman animation as they teamed up with Sony Pictures.
This is such a charming movie from start to finish as well as being exciting, action packed and funny - there is some great voice work from the likes of Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy.
This is one of those movies that can be enjoyed with all the family and created some real festive cheer.
Happy Feet Two - Happy Feet first graced the big screen back in 2006 and five years later George Miller is back in the director’s chair for the sequel.
Yes Happy Feet Two blasted onto the big screen this winter as Elijah Wood and Robin Williams returned to voice the characters of Mumble, Ramon and Lovelace while the likes of Brad Pitt and Matt Damon were also on hand to lend their voices to the movie.
The song and dance makes up for what it lacks in story and narrative but the film has struggled at the box office.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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